Treasure Hunting at Senior Lifestyle Showcase

Armed with camcorder, camera, and event goodie bags, we swept through the 2012 Gwinnet Senior Lifestyle Showcase at Bethesda Park Senior Center, presented by the Gwinnett Council for Seniors (GCS). Looking for treasure, we took some video, photo images, valuable advice, product information, and as many cookies, mints, bananas, pens, and freebies as we could stuff in our goodie bags. 

GCS President John Williams and incoming President Rosalind Bennett and a small army of enthusiastic GCS volunteers were in attendance to ensure a successful event. At no cost to attendees, this annual event offered information to seniors, caregivers and caring family members about the many “organizations and companies serving the needs of Gwinnett’s seniors.” Held on a Saturday this year, it definitely drew a large and appreciative crowd.        

All facets of senior living needs were well represented: insurance, driver safety, living solutions, activity organizations, learning, financial assistance, reading, healthy eating, exercise, fitness, hospital and hospice needs, and fun travel. Consumers, suppliers and sponsors all found ways to collaborate together, making the event a positive win-win for all.     

While many happy winners filled their bags with the give-away items and door prizes, what we noticed most was the enthusiasm from all the exhibitors, attendees and volunteers. The real treasure became obvious pretty quickly:  "seniors helping seniors"... volunteers of all shapes and sizes. Since seniors have a vested interested in senior services, and seniors relate well with other seniors, the concept of "seniors helping seniors" makes perfect sense: "birds of a feather..." (remember our blog ) 

We were very happy to locate a booth for the  Senior Learning Center, promoting "Meet Your Computer" where we found seniors using their expertise to encourage other seniors to get comfortable with their computers, which was right up our alley--after all, we want everyone to be able to read our on line blogs, don't we!

The GCS volunteers were proud and happy to talk more about the GCS, a non-profit organization “dedicated to promoting and enhancing the general welfare of all senior citizens in our county.” And further treasure became obvious: The GCS Senior Information Center located at 186 Pike Street at the Lawrenceville Courthouse Square. Senior Information Center Director Jerri Wilson or one of the many GCS volunteers will supply you with free and valuable information for businesses supporting seniors, events, clubs and organizations, providing social, medical, educational, inspirational, and recreational services for seniors in the community.    

And music to our ears: GCS encourages an “active informed lifestyle for all seniors, young and old”…YES!!

We plan to attend as many GCS events as possible, and would love to hear your comments. When you see us, please say "Hello." 

Positively yours,

Sheri and Bill